BANGKOK, March 17, (V7N) – At just nine years old, Thai tattoo artist Napat “Knight” Mitmakorn is already making waves in the industry, captivating crowds at the Thailand Tattoo Expo with his intricate designs and steady hand.

Clad in oversized surgical gloves, Knight carefully inked a fanged serpent onto his uncle’s thigh, drawing the attention of attendees who stopped to film the youngest artist at the expo.

"I want to be a tattoo artist and open my own tattoo parlour," Knight told AFP, his eyes focused on the needle. "I like art, so I like to tattoo."

Tattooing has long been part of Thailand’s cultural fabric, with traditional Sak Yant tattoos holding deep spiritual significance. But for Knight, the craft started as a way to break a gaming addiction.

His father, Nattawut Sangtong, a 38-year-old factory worker and amateur tattooist, introduced him to tattooing to reduce his screen time and improve his concentration.

"I just wanted to keep him away from his phone because he was addicted to gaming and had a short attention span," Nattawut explained.

The pair learned together—starting with TikTok tutorials, then practicing on paper, artificial leather, and eventually human skin. Now, Knight trains under his father for two-hour sessions, three days a week.

Their TikTok channel, “The Tattoo Artist with Milk Teeth,” has drawn hundreds of thousands of viewers, with livestreamed sessions going viral.

His public debut at the expo saw him tattooing an eight-inch Naga serpent onto his uncle’s left leg—an ambitious piece expected to take 12 hours.

Despite the blaring techno music, Knight remained calm and precise, proving his skill beyond his years.

For now, Knight only tattoos family and friends, as his father insists he undergoes proper hygiene training before accepting public clients.

His uncle, Naruebet Chonlatachaisit, had no doubts. "I trust him, and I think he'll only improve," he said, as the mythical serpent came to life on his skin.

Among the nearly 200 artists at the expo, Knight stood out—not just for his age, but for his meticulous artistry.

“Tattooing isn’t easy,” said office worker Napat Muangsawang, who paused to admire the boy’s work. “It’s not like drawing on paper where you can just erase it.”

As the needle buzzed and onlookers marveled, it was clear: Knight’s journey as a tattoo prodigy is only just beginning.